Established
on Charlie and Samantha Baillieu’s beautiful 64ha property “Bulldog
Run” in July 1999, the 10 hectare, North-facing vineyard is ideally situated
at the heart of the Mornington Peninsula in Merricks North with boundaries on
Tubbarubba and Myers Roads.

Wonderful protection from the west is provided by the
adjacent 16-hectare bush block, which has abundant wild life including Eastern
Grey kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, wombats and a vast array of bird life.

Bulldog Run takes its name from Bulldog Creek, a small
perennial creek that originates in the south-eastern corner of the property and
winds its way through adjoining Elgee Park. The two properties also share a close
family connection, as Elgee Park is
Samantha’s family home.

The recent establishment of a riparian corridor along
Bulldog creek, involved revegetation of the waterway and associated dams, using
the local indigenous vegetation. Tree species used include Silverleaf Stringy
Bark, Swamp Gum, Peppermint, Manna Gum and Blackwood. There have also been extensive
plantings of the associated understorey species of shrubs, grasses and sedges.

A large spring-fed dam near the vineyard is home to
some amazingly life-like wetland bird sculptures and—closer to the homestead—is
a wonderful ornamental lake complete with an island refuge for several species
of ducks and geese.

Contented and colourful, fat Hereford cattle graze alongside
family ponies, all of which are subjects of a stunning painting by talented artist
Julie Johnson, painted for the Baillieu family and now portrayed on the wine label.

Splendid post-and-rail fences—created by craftsmen
Max and Scott Kroehnert of Grafton, using traditional techniques and sturdy Northern
timber—make a magnificent feature at the entrance to the vineyard, which
has exquisite, traditional rose bushes planted at each end of the vine rows.

Baillieu Vineyard and Elgee Park Wines — whilst each retaining their individual labels — have recently combined
resources in order to streamline vineyard management. The appointment of a full
time viticulturist to caretake and manage day-to-day requirements at Baillieu
Vineyard will guarantee their ongoing commitment to produce quality wine from
exceptional fruit.